Birmingham, Alabama—Architects from around the state gathered on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at historic Woodrow Hall for the Alabama Council of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Awards Gala. According to the Council’s website, the event is an annual awards program which recognizes the outstanding work of architect members. Coordinated by a member chair and Council staff, entries are judged by a panel of leading architects, based on outlined criteria. For additional information about the organization and the event, visit www.aiaalabama.com.

Hoskins Architecture (Birmingham) received a Merit Award for its renovation design of the Birmingham Public Library’s (BPL) Inglenook Branch. On hand to receive the award was the firm’s founder Creig Hoskins.

BACKGROUND ON THE RENOVATION PROJECTThe Inglenook Neighborhood agreed to turn what served as Fire Station #23 (from 1927 until 1978) into a library and petitioned the Birmingham Public Library Board to establish the facility. On July 17, 1979, an opening ceremony was held for the Inglenook Branch Library. With no renovations taking place since opening day, upgrades were needed by early 2010 to make the building compliant to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Under the leadership of the late Maxine Parker, the Birmingham City Council approved $405,414 of library bond money to be allocated for the renovation of Inglenook Branch. On August 2, 2013, a ground breaking ceremony was held unveiling the renderings for the building. On August 19, 2013, the Inglenook Library staff moved into the Inglenook Recreation Center to provide limited service to the community until the renovation was completed. The library reopened to the public on Thursday, May 22, 2014.

The New FeaturesThe new features of the Inglenook Branch include the opening of the hose tower where a ceiling fan now hangs. This feature was included to preserve an aspect of the fire station’s history and to allow natural sunlight inside the building. The building also includes a hydraulic lift and a lower circulation counter to satisfy ADA requirements. Window seats and an exterior door leading to the patio area were added to the children’s area to enhance program experiences. A storage space and break room were added for staff where the basement was previously located. A brand new HVAC system was also installed. The siding on the outside structure is now made up of 100 year old reclaimed pine. Located at 4100 40th Terrace North, the branch has 3441 square feet of space.